This is the first time I have been prompted to make such a comment, but I feel I must. Please, before you make any comments such as the several I've seen here regarding the personal facial features, attitudes, or intelligence levels of complete strangers (to you), stop and consider the fact that they may also be seen and read by fairly close relations of the person about whom you are remarking.

It's not funny or even the least bit amusing to read such comments about complete strangers made by people who haven't the slightest clue about that person. Stop a minute about how you might feel if you were to read something like that about a picture that may be published here about your own great, great grandmother, or any relative. If you can say with complete honesty that you'd also find it amusing, or even acceptable, for total strangers to write such things about your family members, no matter how far back they go, then I must feel sorry for you and your lack of empathy for others.

Concepts of facial beauty have changed greatly over the years, and will continue to evolve. And the use of obvious cosmetics or "beauty techniques" were quite unacceptable at this point in history, and women who obviously indulged in such things were automatically labeled as "loose" or "fast" or only excessively vain if they were lucky, otherwise they were seen as quite unacceptable in polite society. This didn't change totally for at least another 25 years.

So, just because someone doesn't fit nicely into your own views of physical beauty in the 21st century, stop please, and think before you write it down here for all the world to see. Is it true? Is it right? Could it cause someone else pain or even anger? Would that person feel pleased to read it themselves? If the answers to those questions are "Yes, yes, no, and yes," then go right ahead - We will probably be pleased to read it. Otherwise, you are telling a great deal more about yourself than you are about them, so be sure to think about it before you decide to post it.

I thank you.

As the grandson of the "sweet-faced young woman on the far left," I can verify that this is the Georgetown University Nursing School Class of 1914.

No lie. About a year ago I was in a ER at our local large city Hospital. I had a blood clot in my lungs caused by surgery the week before. I swear they all look just like these fine ladies but meaner.

Soooooooooooo! times have not changed over the years. BUT I was glad to have them they did save my life. Even though they scared the hell out of me. All kidding aside nurses save lives and I do appreciate them.I bet they were really pretty girls when they did smile though.

Instead of the usual "Everybody smile" that photographers usually blurt out before snapping the shutter, it looks like this one yelled "Tenj hup!" And as a token gesture, they're all holding their diplomas like rifles, but other than that, not showing much enthusiasm. As a matter of fact, they all look like they just finished a 12 hour shift.

First Row, extreme right: "Roll over please, tonight is enema night!"

I reviewed the Washington Post archives trying to find out information on this specific class of nurses. From 1908 to 1912, the Post published the names of all graduates and a short piece on the commencement speaker. After 1912, the commencement exercises were apparently not as newsworthy. Given the class size in the photo, it must be 1913 or later. Class sizes for the published years are: 1908 (5); 1909 (3); 1910 (3); 1911 (10); 1912 (11, the largest class to date).

Top row, second from left - nice mustache, dude.

I can't think of a single season in the DC area when this would have been a comfortable working uniform. I think they would be hot, sweaty, and chafe year-round for any nurse actually doing hard work bathing or moving a patient or running around a busy ward.

not to get sick.

I don't think I want the nurse in the front left to tend my health needs--she may be my number 1 fan!

Back in the days of yore when nurses wore white uniforms you could tell who was in charge in the wards. Today every employee in a hospital wears scrubs, so you can not tell if you are talking to a nurse, records clerk, or a custodian, or the lady who will groom my dog at the vet clinic, or the receptionist at the dentist. These starched white uniforms loudly proclaim authority and responsibility for patient care.

The local hospital just ran a pic of nurses in whites for National Nurses' Week. Brought back memories of my late aunt starching and ironing her caps. So much more professional looking.

The high stiff collars give a look like the faces are pasted on -- think intro to Monty Python's Flying Circus.

However, the two women in the back row wearing spectacles do look more intelligent.

That "sweet-faced young woman on the far left" looks more like, "Autoclave? Why bother, he's going to die someday anyway."

It makes me wonder if wearing neck rings was part of the training. Some of them look like they are ready to choke. And those bibs look to be absolutely bulletproof. If they could see the comfy "uniforms" that are worn now...

Quick, everybody look in a different direction!

Now that's a uniform! It doesn't look easy to work in -- indeed, would this be what they wore for everyday work? -- but the very sight of all that clean and pressed white cotton is reassuring. Most of them seem quite young, but they look so capable.

(Well, that sweet-faced young woman on the far left in front looks more like "Are we done yet? Can I go now?" But I feel that way about posing for group pictures myself.)

If you were really, really sick, which of these ladies would you prefer to see walking into your room? There are lots of choices such as efficient, kind, bossy and even clueless.

2nd row, left hand side. I think she was the nurse that catheterized me.